World Accreditation Day 2013- Presentation of CEO’s Forum

SLAB Admitted to PAC MLA for QMS, EMS and Product Certification

In May 2013, the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) was admitted to the multi-lateral recognition arrangements (MLA) operated by the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) for QMS, EMS and Product certification. This special achievement of SLAB keeps Sri Lanka in a strong position in the world trade as far as conformity assessment and accreditation is concerned. Now SLAB accredited certificates on QMS, EMS and Product certification are recognized in the Asia Pacific region and hence by other countries where conformity assessment procedures are practiced for international trade. SLAB was admitted to the mutual recognition arrangements (MRA) managed by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) for testing (including medical testing) in 2009 and calibration in 2012. SLAB will take steps to be a MLA partner of International Accreditation Forum (IAF) for QMS, EMS, FSMS and Product certification shortly.

The removal of barriers in bilateral trade among individuals, organizations and countries is a critical factor in terms of quality and safety of imports and exports. If the product or service on the offer does not comply with technical regulations or standards demanded by consumers, businesses, regulators and other organizations, the offer or consignment will be subject to rejection or undergo additional tests, inspections or certification at each country of entry. Businesses that supply or receive products or services with accredited conformity assessment certificates showing credible evidence of conformance with international standards can be used to distinguish them from their competitors. The mechanism available internationally for mutual acceptance is multilateral arrangements between accreditation bodies based on mutual evaluation and acceptance of each other’s accreditation systems. The ILAC and IAF have at present established the above mutual recognition arrangement programmes for removal of technical barriers and facilitating world trade.

Accreditation acts as catalyst to national economies by helping domestic companies pitch for business abroad and by promoting confidence in imports from other countries. The multilateral arrangements also provide governments and regulators with an internationally recognized stamp of approval to demonstrate compliance with standards and other requirements. With confidence in the conformity assessment process underpinned by accreditation, standards can be used to support a lighter touch approach to regulation, which in turn means that businesses spend less time tied up with bureaucracy. As SLAB accreditation fees are very much lower than that of foreign accreditation bodies, SLAB accredited certification bodies and testing laboratories will have a better edge of competitive advantage over foreign accreditation.

(06th June 2013)

International Recognition for SLAB Accreditation

The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board was admitted as a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Agreement of the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation. Mr Sanath P Mendis, Director / CEO, SLAB signed the agreement at the APLAC General Assembly held in Bali, Indonesia. Mr Terence Chan, APLAC Chair and Mr Barry Ashcroft, Chair, APLAC-MRA Council, signed the agreement on behalf of APLAC

The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SLAB) was admitted as a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) of Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (APLAC) and International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC). The MRA agreement was signed by Mr Sanath P Mendis, Director/ CEO, SLAB on 9th December 2009 at the APLAC general Assembly held in Bali, Indonesia. MRA Signatory status was granted after a rigorous evaluation of the Management and Operation of the Accreditation Schemes operated by SLAB in accordance with ISO 17011. Evaluations were carried out by a team of three (3) evaluators appointed by APLAC and included one week of evaluations including witnessing of assessments carried out by SLAB.

The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SLAB) was admitted as a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) of Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (APLAC) and International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC). The MRA agreement was signed by Mr Sanath P Mendis, Director/ CEO, SLAB on 9th December 2009 at the APLAC general Assembly held in Bali, Indonesia. MRA Signatory status was granted after a rigorous evaluation of the Management and Operation of the Accreditation Schemes operated by SLAB in accordance with ISO 17011. Evaluations were carried out by a team of three (3) evaluators appointed by APLAC and included one week of evaluations including witnessing of assessments carried out by SLAB.

Through these Mutual recognition Arrangements, Test Reports and Certificates issued by SLAB Accredited Laboratories in Sri Lanka will be recognized and accepted internationally. Quality certification of exports from Sri Lanka based on testing will be now recognized as equivalent to test reports and certificates issued in other countries, facilitating market access for Sri Lankan products.

Medical / Clinical Laboratories accredited by SLAB based on ISO 15189 will be now recognized internationally. Accreditation assures technical competence and reliability of reports issued by the laboratories. Five (05) medical laboratories have been accredited so far by SLAB under this scheme. Patients and Medical Professionals will be able to obtain reliable and accurate reports from these laboratories. APLAC recognized accreditation scheme for medical laboratories will contribute to the quality improvement and enhance the recognition of healthcare systems in Sri Lanka.